29 – 30 April 2007, Ayvalık visit, Written by David Gerard
Ayvalık
39 38.5N 26 20.E
Wind is on the nose (whats new)
We left Ayvalık this morning at 0500 we had meant to leave earlier but the evening festivities got the better of us.
For those of you who haven’t visited this area Ayvalık is situated in an inland sea and reached by a dredged channel. There are many islands and bays around the area all suitable for anchoring some even have hot springs.
The town is quite charming with many old buildings this as were many towns on the west coast ,at one time Greek. There is a Greek church on one of the islands as you enter.
The area is famous for its olive oil and citrus trees.
We were the guests here of Seteur marina Yücel the marina manager has become a close friend over the past 4 years.
The marina has all the facilities you would wish and a number of boats winter here.
As we entered the marina we were met by some previous rally participants La Vagabonde and Vikaroh.
Yücel had arranged a tour to the neiebouring site of Pergamon so the majority of people left the next morning to see that.
I had a little work to do on the boat like fitting a new anchor (boats are like mistresses you need to constantly buy them things, preferably shiny things)
Work was soon finished and I sat down with our Bulgarian friends for a lazy lunch in the sun.
If you have never had a Bulgarian lunch it goes something like this
2 cans Beer
Slices of sausage
Glass of brandy
Glass of brandy
Next course
Glass of brandy etc etc
When the trippers got back I was very relaxed!
Skipper meeting on Mashona was also accompanied by a small liberation or two then afterwards we had the party.(perhaps that explains why I was a little late this morning)
Ayvalık cocktail party’s are great events Yücel goes to great lengths to make it a success with lots of wine lots of Raki great food and loud music.
I again urge any of you who haven’t been up to the North of Turkey to do so you will certainly be made welcome in Ayvalık.
One final thing we were sent on our way this morning with a present of olives olive oil and olive products.
Thanks Yücel, we wish you were coming with us, we may see you on the Agean rally one year.
Dave and Kath and Tilly
Mashona on route to Cesme